a bowl of popcorn surrounded by smaller bowls with ingredients for protein popcorn

This Easy Protein Popcorn Is Whey Good

Here’s a protein popcorn recipe you can make for a perfect post-workout treat or as a healthy movie night snack!

Everyone knows that popcorn is a popular movie snack, but it’s so much more than that.

With the right ingredients, it can also be a healthy, filling snack that complements your workouts. All you need are kernels, oil, protein powder, some seasonings — and your trusty Popper, of course!

We get that a lot of you might think popcorn and protein powder are a weird combo, but trust us, you’ll enjoy every bite of this savory protein popcorn. 

Let’s get right into it:

Protein Popcorn Ingredients

  • ½ cup popcorn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • ¼ cup unflavored protein powder
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make High Protein Popcorn

Step 1: Mix Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix protein powder, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper then set aside.

Step 2: Heat

Set your stove to medium heat and let your Popper preheat for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Oil 

woman scoops a spoonful of coconut oil

Pour oil into the Popper. 

Step 4: Add Kernels

woman pours kernels into a white popcorn popper

Toss 2-3 kernels into the pot. After the first kernel pops, add in the rest then put the Popper’s lid on.

Step 5: Turn

woman turns the crank of a popcorn popper


Turn the Popper’s crank clockwise as the kernels pop to keep them in motion (this helps prevent burning). 

Step 6: Remove

When popping slows, remove the Popper from the heat and take off the lid.

Step 7: Combine

Sprinkle the seasoning over the popcorn. Then cover the Popper with the lid, and give it a few more cranks or a good shake.

Step 8: Serve

protein popcorn

Pour your protein popcorn into a bowl and enjoy! 

More Protein Popcorn Tips and Ideas

  • Protein powder comes in all sorts of flavors — from chocolate and vanilla to matcha and birthday cake. You can combine chocolate protein powder with peanut butter for a sweet and salty popcorn, or mix vanilla protein powder with cinnamon for a warm, spiced treat.
  • Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings, too. Add smoked paprika, cumin, or whatever you feel will make your protein popcorn taste even better.
  • If the seasoning isn't sticking, spray a light layer of oil or butter over the popcorn. 

Are You Pumped Yet?

And there you have it — our easy protein popcorn recipe. Go give it a try after your next workout (or you know, whenever you want)! 

You don’t need to be a fitness buff to enjoy this. If you’re a popcorn lover who’s always looking for more ways to enjoy your favorite snack or someone who simply wants to add more protein to your diet, you’ll love it as well. 

Don’t have a Popper yet? Grab our Starter Set today — it comes with a Popper in the color of your choice and a box each of our Oh Sooo Buttery and Classic Kettle Popcorn Kits!